Long Beach Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

If online auto insurance comparisons are new to you, it's easy to be confused by the vast number of auto insurance companies offering coverage in Long Beach.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

Listed below are some of the items auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

  • Save money with special equipment - Owning a car with an alarm system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can help prevent car theft.
  • Poor credit can mean higher rates - Having a bad credit score is a important factor in determining your rates. If your credit history is lower than you'd like, you could save money insuring your by improving your credit score. Drivers who have high credit scores tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than those with poor credit.
  • Liability insurance protects assets - Liability insurance is the coverage that protects you when a court rules you are at fault for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. Liability provides you with a defense in court up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
  • Pay less after the wedding - Getting married can actually save you money on your policy. Having a significant other means you're more mature and it's proven that married couples file fewer claims.

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These discounts can lower your rates

Companies do not list every discount in a way that's easy to find, so the following is a list of both well-publicized as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using.

  • Service Members Pay Less - Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts can qualify for discounts up to 30%.
  • Payment Discounts - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Multi-car Discount - Buying coverage for more than one vehicle with the same company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.

It's important to note that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. A few only apply to individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Even though it may seem like you could get a free auto insurance policy, you're out of luck.

To choose insurance companies offering auto insurance discounts in Long Beach, click here to view.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO constantly bombard you with ads on television and other media. They all make an identical promise that you can save if you switch to their company. How can each company make almost identical claims?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. A good example of a driver they prefer could possibly be between 25 and 40, owns a home, and chooses high deductibles. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications receives the best rates and as a result will probably save when they switch companies.

Potential insureds who are not a match for the requirements will be quoted more money and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can state the savings. This emphasizes why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which company will give you the biggest savings.

Different people need different coverages

When buying coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.

For instance, these questions might point out whether you would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
  • Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
  • Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
  • Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
  • Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
  • I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form.

Additional detailed information can be read at the California Department of Insurance website. California consumers can view a list of available companies, find out industry alerts, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

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Final considerations

People switch companies for a number of reasons such as unfair underwriting practices, policy cancellation, poor customer service or even extreme rates for teen drivers. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.

When buying insurance coverage, it's not a good idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many situations where an insured cut collision coverage and discovered at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The proper strategy is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

You just read many tips how you can save on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more providers you compare, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers may even find the most savings is with the least-expected company.